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Time had passed in such a lovely manner, especially after finally accepting her desires. Both for blood and the love of the stallion beside her. Raphael completed Ethanol in every way, she had never been so happy in all of her life. Pausing mid step the mare cocked her head to one side, inhaling deeply before replying. "Smoke? Wait.." No, beneath the smoke came a different more dangerous scent. One the female now knew intimately...blood. Instantly her heart rate accelerated and her faze swept ahead looking for the cause. "An animal?"

With a nod Ethanol stepped alongside the stallion, keeping close. Not liking it one bit when the landscape changed from cheery trees an plants in vibrant green bloom..to charred blacks and grays. A fire had very recently ravaged the area. It made her step even more carefully, voice gently reprimanding Ammonia whom had darted ahead of them. However the words die on her lips, bile instead rising. Yes the mare liked blood but, she did not kill recklessly and never would she ever take blood or the life of such a small mare! "R-raphael..." Looking away Ethanol's head bowed..sorrow filling her. Poor little one.

Everything fell away..some inner maternal instinct rose rapidly to the surface at the mention of a basket. At finding out why the mares body looked so strangely placed. Moving closer the mare sniffed the soft smoke scented whicker. Ammonia hovered nearby, watching as Ethanol gently smiled to the tiny life. "We cannot leave it here...let's bury the small ones mother then take it home.." Ammonia gave a wag of her tail, quickly moving to begin digging while Ethanol continued to nose at the small basket. So tiny and fragile! "Shh...we will protect you.."

Ethanol rested her nose against the basket, blinking hen her wolf companion carried over a small silver necklace between it's teeth. Taking it her eyes gleamed with understanding.. It had been the mothers. Raphael's words cemented everything into place. They would take this little basket and, raise it as their own child. "Oh my beloved...I am sad and, happy at the same time. I hope that this fire did not claim any other lives.."

Who would do such a thing? To so carelessly set a fire..knowing others must live nearby, knowing how populated one small area of forest could be! Puffin out a breath the mare's front hoof gave an irritated stamp. "Someone or something did this. To take another's life so..so frivolously!" Fighting down tears her head lowered once more, red eyes focused on the basket which had stilled at last. Perhaps it rested..but, what if it had been injured somehow? Suddenly panicked the mare gently nosed the basket a bit aways from the ash and terrible air. If her lungs burned what must the foal's feel like? "Raphael! Do you think the small one is healthy? So much smoke..please be okay.."

Soothed by his words she gave a nod, gently gathering the necklace. "As always you are wise..let's hurry then." Once away from the awful place Ethanol found the nearest source of water and, throughly cleaned herself. After seeing so much death she knew her hunts with Raphael would not be happening he next few days. For once her stomach twisted at the thought of flesh and blood. Satisfied that she had become clean again the mare moved to lay beside the basket, voice soft. "Spirits bless this basket..who has done no wrong in this world. Who is already blessed and watched over by a strong mother. A mother now set free from the bonds of this world. I will gladly take her place..but, not let this small one forget her sacrifice." Smiling her eyes slipped closed in reverence. Ammonia had washed as well and lay beside her mistress, lightly chewing one of her bones. "You little foal will be so loved..Raphael will be your father and I your mother. Isn't that exciting?"